New research reveals that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments should be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the injections explains the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural changes.
